JP7116335B2 - indoor air conditioning system - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to an indoor air conditioning system that performs a cleaning operation for cleaning an indoor heat exchanger.

In recent years, air conditioners capable of automatically cleaning an indoor heat exchanger of an indoor unit have been put on the market. For example, in the air conditioner described in Patent Document 1 (Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2010-014288), a frosting operation is performed to frost at least a part of the fins of the indoor heat exchanger, and then defrosting by defrosting operation. A means for generating water to remove dirt adhering to the fin surface is provided.

The present disclosure provides an air conditioner that can ensure the humidity necessary for cleaning the heat exchanger.

An indoor air conditioning system according to a first aspect includes an air conditioning indoor unit, a humidifier, a control section, and a notification section. The air conditioner indoor unit performs a cleaning operation for cleaning the indoor heat exchanger. In the cleaning operation, the indoor heat exchanger functions as an evaporator to condense the moisture contained in the indoor air into the indoor heat exchanger, thereby cleaning the indoor heat exchanger. The humidifier humidifies the room. The control unit has an implementation determination unit that determines implementation of the cleaning operation. The control unit notifies the user of the stored water in the humidifier via the notification unit when it is decided to perform the cleaning operation.

In this indoor air conditioning system, when the indoor heat exchanger is being cleaned, the amount of water stored in the humidifier is notified. (condensed water) can be secured.

The cleaning operation includes an operation of performing a freezing operation in which the surface temperature of the indoor heat exchanger is below the freezing point, and washing the indoor heat exchanger by thawing the surface after the freezing operation.

The indoor air-conditioning system of the second aspect is the indoor air-conditioning system of the first aspect, wherein the humidifier has a tank that stores water for humidification. When it is decided to perform the cleaning operation, the control unit notifies the user via the notification unit that the cleaning operation will be performed and/or notifies the user to confirm the remaining water amount in the tank.

An indoor air conditioning system according to a third aspect is the indoor air conditioning system according to the first aspect, in which the humidifier has a tank for storing water for humidification. When it is decided to perform the cleaning operation, the control unit notifies the user that the cleaning operation will be performed and/or notifies the user to supply water to the tank via the notification unit.

An indoor air conditioning system according to a fourth aspect is the indoor air conditioning system according to any one of the first aspect to the third aspect, wherein the humidifier has a tank for storing water for humidification. The humidifier detects or estimates the residual water content of the tank, and when it determines that the residual water content is equal to or less than the first predetermined amount, the humidifier notifies the user to urge water to be supplied to the tank via the notification unit.

In this indoor air conditioning system, it is possible to accurately grasp the residual water content.

The indoor air-conditioning system of the fifth aspect is the indoor air-conditioning system of the fourth aspect, wherein the control section further has a history acquisition section. The history acquisition unit acquires the operation history of the humidifier and the water supply history to the tank. The controller estimates the residual water content based on the operating time of the humidifier that has elapsed since water was supplied to the tank.

In this indoor air conditioning system, it is possible to employ a humidifier that does not have a residual water amount detection means.

The indoor air-conditioning system of the sixth aspect is the indoor air-conditioning system of the second to fifth aspects, wherein the control unit waits for the cleaning operation until there is a response to the notification.

In this indoor air conditioning system, it is possible to prevent the cleaning operation from being started when the condensed water (condensed water) necessary for cleaning is insufficient.

An indoor air-conditioning system according to a seventh aspect is the indoor air-conditioning system according to the sixth aspect, further comprising an operation unit capable of inputting an instruction to start the cleaning operation. The control unit starts the cleaning operation when a signal for starting the cleaning operation is input from the operation unit in response to the notification.

The indoor air-conditioning system according to the eighth aspect is the indoor air-conditioning system according to the fourth aspect, wherein the cleaning operation is performed when the control unit determines that the remaining water amount is equal to or greater than a second predetermined amount that is larger than the first predetermined amount. Start.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS It is a conceptual diagram which shows an example of a structure of the indoor air-conditioning system which concerns on 1st Embodiment. 2 is a block diagram for explaining the configuration of the indoor air conditioning system of FIG. 1; FIG. 1 is a conceptual diagram showing an example of an air conditioner; FIG. It is a sectional view showing an example of composition of an indoor unit of an indoor air-conditioning system. FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining a refrigerant circuit and an air flow path included in the indoor air conditioning system of FIG. 1; 4 is a block diagram for explaining the configuration of a control unit; FIG. FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view showing a configuration example of the humidifier of FIG. 1; FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the appearance of the humidifier of FIG. 1; It is a flow chart for explaining operation of an indoor air-conditioning system. 4 is a flow chart showing an operation example of a control unit when automatically shifting to a cleaning operation; 4 is an operation flowchart of humidifier control in cleaning operation. FIG. 11 is an operation flowchart of humidifier control in cleaning operation of the indoor air conditioning system according to the first modified example; FIG. FIG. 11 is an operation flowchart of humidifier control in cleaning operation of an indoor air conditioning system according to a second modified example; FIG. FIG. 11 is an operation flowchart of humidifier control in cleaning operation of an indoor air conditioning system according to a third modified example; FIG. It is a flow chart for explaining operation of an interior air-conditioning system concerning a 2nd embodiment.

<First Embodiment>
(1) Overall Configuration FIG. 1 is a conceptual diagram showing an example of the configuration of an indoor air conditioning system 1 according to the first embodiment. In FIG. 1, the indoor air conditioning system 1 includes an air conditioner 10 and a humidifier 106 with an air cleaning function (hereinafter referred to as the humidifier 106).

As shown in FIG. 1 , indoor unit 2 of air conditioner 10 and humidifier 106 are connected via wireless LAN router 210 . A wireless LAN adapter 85 is connected to the indoor controller 81 (see FIG. 2) of the indoor unit 2 .

Here, the case where the wireless LAN adapter 85 is externally attached to the indoor unit 2 is shown. However, the wireless LAN adapter 85 may be built in the indoor unit 2 . A humidifier control unit 89 (see FIG. 2) of the humidifier 106 incorporates a wireless LAN adapter function.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram for explaining the configuration of the indoor air conditioning system 1 of FIG. 1 and 2, the indoor air conditioning system 1 including the air conditioner 10 and the humidifier 106 includes a control section 8. As shown in FIG. When the cleaning operation is performed, the humidifier 106 is instructed to operate from the indoor controller 81 via the wireless LAN router 210 and the wireless LAN adapter 85 .

The controller 8 has an indoor controller 81 , an outdoor controller 86 and a humidifier controller 89 . As shown in FIG. 1, the indoor air conditioning system 1 can instruct the air conditioner 10 and the humidifier 106 using a communication terminal 230 such as a smartphone. For example, instructions output from a communication terminal 230 such as a smartphone are sent to the air conditioner 10 and the humidifier 106 via the wireless LAN router 210 or via the Internet 240, the broadband router 220, and the wireless LAN router 210. .

(2) Air conditioner 10
FIG. 3 is a conceptual diagram showing an example of the air conditioner 10. As shown in FIG. 3, the air conditioner 10 has an indoor unit 2, an outdoor unit 4, and a remote controller 15. As shown in FIG. The indoor unit 2 and the outdoor unit 4 are connected by refrigerant communication pipes 11 and 12 . The indoor unit 2, the outdoor unit 4, and the refrigerant connecting pipes 11 and 12 form a refrigerant circuit.

The indoor unit 2 and the outdoor unit 4 are controlled by the controller 8 . In the refrigerant circuit, the vapor compression refrigeration cycle is repeated during, for example, cooling operation, heating operation and dehumidifying operation.

The indoor unit 2 is installed in the room RM and performs air conditioning in the room RM. In the first embodiment, the indoor unit 2 is attached to the wall WL of the room RM. However, the indoor unit 2 is not limited to the type installed on the wall WL of the room RM. The indoor unit 2 may be installed on the ceiling CE or the floor FL, for example.

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view showing an example of the configuration of the indoor unit 2 of the air conditioner 10. As shown in FIG. FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining the refrigerant circuit of the air conditioner 10. As shown in FIG. 4 and 5, the indoor unit 2 has an indoor heat exchanger 21. As shown in FIG. The indoor unit 2 performs heat exchange of the indoor air by passing the indoor air (the air in the room RM) through the indoor heat exchanger 21 .

The controller 8 controls the indoor unit 2 to perform a cleaning operation for cleaning the indoor heat exchanger 21 . In the cleaning operation, the control unit 8 controls the humidifier 106 so as to increase the humidity in the room, and cleans the surface of the indoor heat exchanger 21 by causing dew condensation on the surface of the indoor heat exchanger 21. . The activation of the humidifier 6 may be performed before the operation of the air conditioner 10 or may be performed simultaneously with the operation of the air conditioner 10 .

Preferably, in the cleaning operation, the controller 8 first controls the humidifier 106 so that the indoor humidity reaches a predetermined humidity. In this case, after the humidifier 106 sets the indoor humidity to a predetermined level, the controller 8 causes dew condensation on the surface of the indoor heat exchanger 21 to wash the surface. The surface of the indoor heat exchanger 21 here includes heat transfer fins 21a.

The control unit 8 is implemented by, for example, a microcomputer. For example, in the cleaning operation, the controller 8 first causes the humidifier 106 to perform the humidifying operation, and then causes the indoor unit 2 to perform the cleaning operation.

When the inside of the room is dry due to weather conditions or the like, it becomes difficult to wash the surface of the indoor heat exchanger 21 due to dew condensation on the surface of the indoor heat exchanger 21 if the inside of the room remains dry.

However, even if the room is dry due to weather conditions or the like, the indoor air conditioning system 1 can raise the indoor humidity to a predetermined humidity by humidifying during the cleaning operation.

The indoor air conditioning system 1 can perform the cleaning operation in a state where the indoor humidity has increased to a predetermined humidity.

In this manner, the indoor air conditioning system 1 can generate sufficient dew condensation on the surface of the indoor heat exchanger 21 to clean the surface without being affected by dryness of the room due to weather conditions or the like.

(2-1) Indoor unit 2
As shown in FIGS. 2 to 5, the indoor unit 2 includes an indoor heat exchanger 21, an indoor fan 22, a casing 23, an air filter 24, a drain pan 26, a horizontal flap 27, and a vertical flap. (not shown) and a discharge unit 29 . The indoor unit 2 also includes an indoor temperature sensor 31 , an indoor humidity sensor 32 , a duct temperature sensor 33 , a duct humidity sensor 34 , and an indoor heat exchanger temperature sensor 35 .

When describing directions, the terms "top", "bottom", "front" and "back" are used according to the directions indicated by the arrows in FIGS.

(2-1-1) Casing 23
The casing 23 has an inlet port 23a at its upper portion and an outlet port 23b at its lower portion. The indoor unit 2 drives the indoor fan 22, sucks indoor air from the suction port 23a, and blows off the air that has passed through the indoor heat exchanger 21 from the blower port 23b.

(2-1-2) Indoor fan 22
The indoor fan 22 is arranged in a substantially central portion in the casing 23, as shown in FIG. The indoor fan 22 is, for example, a cross-flow fan. The indoor heat exchanger 21 is arranged upstream of the indoor fan 22 in the air flow path from the suction port 23a to the blowout port 23b.

(2-1-3) Indoor heat exchanger 21
The indoor heat exchanger 21 has a plurality of heat transfer fins 21a and a plurality of heat transfer tubes 21b. Indoor air passes between the plurality of heat transfer fins 21a. During heat exchange, the air passes through the heat transfer fins 21a and the refrigerant flows through the heat transfer tubes 21b. The heat transfer tube 21b is folded multiple times and penetrates one heat transfer fin 21a multiple times.

The indoor heat exchanger 21 has a downwardly open shape so as to cover the upper part of the indoor fan 22 when viewed in the direction in which the heat transfer tubes 21b extend. Here, such a shape is called a substantially Λ shape. The indoor heat exchanger 21 has a first heat exchange section 21F far from the wall WL and a second heat exchange section 21R close to the wall WL.

Drain pans 26 are arranged under the front lower portion and the rear lower portion of the indoor heat exchanger 21 having a substantially Λ shape. Condensation generated in the first heat exchange section 21</b>F of the indoor heat exchanger 21 is received by the drain pan 26 arranged in the lower front portion of the indoor heat exchanger 21 . Condensation generated in the second heat exchange section 21R of the indoor heat exchanger 21 is received by the drain pan 26 arranged in the lower rear portion of the indoor heat exchanger 21 .

(2-1-4) Horizontal flap 27
A horizontal flap 27 and a vertical flap are arranged at the outlet 23b. The horizontal flap 27 vertically changes the direction of the air blown from the outlet 23b. Therefore, the horizontal flap 27 is configured so that the angle formed with the horizontal direction can be changed by a motor 27m.

(2-1-5) Air filter 24
An air filter 24 is arranged downstream of the suction port 23 a in the casing 23 and upstream of the indoor heat exchanger 21 . The air filter 24 is installed in the casing 23 so that substantially all of the indoor air supplied to the indoor heat exchanger 21 passes through the air filter 24 .

Therefore, dust larger than the mesh of the air filter 24 is removed by the air filter 24 and does not reach the indoor heat exchanger 21 . However, what passes through the air filter 24 , such as dust and oil mist finer than the mesh of the air filter 24 , reaches the indoor heat exchanger 21 .

(2-1-6) discharge unit 29
The discharge unit 29 (see FIG. 2) is an active species generator having a discharge section inside. The discharge section includes, for example, a needle-like electrode and a counter electrode, and applies a high voltage to generate a streamer discharge, which is a type of plasma discharge. Active species with high oxidative decomposition power are generated when discharge occurs. These active species include, for example, fast electrons, ions, hydroxyl radicals and excited oxygen molecules. The active species decompose harmful and odorous components in the air consisting of small organic molecules such as ammonia, aldehydes, and nitrogen oxides. The discharge unit 29 is arranged, for example, upstream of the air filter 24 or upstream of the indoor heat exchanger 21 .

(2-1-7) Indoor control section 81
In the indoor unit 2, an indoor controller 81, which is a component of the controller 8, is arranged. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 5, the indoor controller 81 is connected to the motor 22m of the indoor fan 22, the motor 27m of the horizontal flap 27, and the reheat dehumidification valve .

The indoor control unit 81 can control the rotation speed of the motor 22m of the indoor fan 22, the rotation angle of the motor 27m of the horizontal flap 27, and the ON/OFF of the reheat dehumidification valve 28.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram for explaining the configuration of the control section 8. As shown in FIG. In FIG. 6, the indoor controller 81 includes a processor 81a and a memory 81b.

The processor 81a reads the control program for each operation stored in the memory 81b and outputs necessary commands to each device.

The memory 81b stores control programs for each operation as well as instruction values from the outdoor controller 86 as needed.

The processor 81a also reads data or request values stored in the memory 81b and calculates necessary control values. Furthermore, the processor 81a has a timer 83 inside.

A CPU or GPU is employed as the processor 81a. The above description is an example and is not limited to the above description.

The indoor control unit 81 is connected to the motor 22m of the indoor fan 22, the motor 27m of the horizontal flap 27, the reheat dehumidification valve 28, and the speaker 82 shown in FIGS. The indoor controller 81 is also connected to an outdoor controller 86 arranged inside the outdoor unit 4 .

The indoor control unit 81 receives signals from the remote controller 15 and receives instructions input from the remote controller 15 . The remote controller 15 has a display screen 15a.

The indoor controller 81 can display various information on the display screen 15 a of the remote controller 15 . The indoor controller 81 can notify that the cleaning operation cannot be performed, for example, using the display screen 15a.

In addition, the indoor control unit 81 can notify through the speaker 82 that the cleaning operation cannot be performed.

2 and 5 show an indoor temperature sensor 31, an indoor humidity sensor 32, and an indoor heat exchanger temperature sensor 35 among the sensors that the indoor unit 2 has. These sensors are connected to the indoor controller 81 .

The indoor controller 81 detects the temperature of indoor air with the indoor temperature sensor 31 and detects the relative humidity of the indoor air with the indoor humidity sensor 32 .

Also, the indoor control unit 81 can detect the temperature of the refrigerant flowing through a specific location of the indoor heat exchanger 21 using the indoor heat exchanger temperature sensor 35 . This specific location is, for example, the location of the heat transfer tube 21b to which the indoor heat exchanger temperature sensor 35 is attached.

(2-1-8) Reheat dehumidification valve 28
As shown in FIG. 5 , the indoor heat exchanger 21 has a reheat dehumidification valve 28 . The first heat exchange section 21</b>F and the second heat exchange section 21</b>R are connected via a reheat dehumidification valve 28 .

The reheat dehumidification valve 28 is fully opened during the cooling operation, the heating operation, and the weak cooling/dehumidification operation to allow the refrigerant to flow without decompression, and is closed during the reheat dehumidification operation to decompress the refrigerant.

There are two types of valve mechanism: one in which pressure reducing means is provided inside the valve body, and the other in which pressure reducing means such as a capillary tube is arranged in parallel with the valve.

(2-2) Outdoor unit 4
The outdoor unit 4 functions as a heat source unit that supplies thermal energy to the indoor unit 2 . The outdoor unit 4 includes a compressor 41, a four-way valve 42, an accumulator 43, an outdoor heat exchanger 44, an outdoor expansion valve 45, an outdoor fan 46, and a casing 47, as shown in FIGS.

Compressor 41 , four-way valve 42 , accumulator 43 , outdoor heat exchanger 44 , outdoor expansion valve 45 and outdoor fan 46 are housed in casing 47 .

(2-2-1) Casing 47
The casing 47 has a suction port 47a (see FIG. 5) for sucking outdoor air, and a blowout port 47b (see FIGS. 3 and 5) for blowing out air after heat exchange. The suction port 47 a is arranged on the rear side of the casing 47 .

(2-2-2) Compressor 41
The compressor 41 sucks, compresses, and discharges gas refrigerant. The compressor 41 is, for example, a variable capacity compressor whose operating capacity can be changed by adjusting the operating frequency of the motor 41m with an inverter. As the operating frequency increases, the operating capacity of the compressor 41 increases.

(2-2-3) Four-way valve 42
The four-way valve 42 switches the direction of refrigerant flow in the refrigerant circuit 13 . The four-way valve 42 has four ports. A first port P<b>1 of the four-way valve 42 is connected to a discharge port of the compressor 41 . A second port P2 of the four-way valve 42 is connected to a first inlet/outlet 44x of the outdoor heat exchanger 44 . A third port P3 of the four-way valve 42 is connected to the accumulator 43 . A fourth port P4 of the four-way valve 42 is connected to the second inlet/outlet 21y of the indoor heat exchanger 21 .

(2-2-4) Accumulator 43
The accumulator 43 is connected between the third port P3 of the four-way valve 42 and the suction port of the compressor 41 . In the accumulator 43, gas-liquid separation of the refrigerant sucked into the compressor 41 is performed.

(2-2-5) Outdoor heat exchanger 44
The outdoor heat exchanger 44 connects the second inlet/outlet 44y to the first inlet/outlet 45x of the outdoor expansion valve 45 . The outdoor heat exchanger 44 exchanges heat between the refrigerant that has flowed inside from the first inlet/outlet 44x or the second inlet/outlet 44y and the outdoor air.

(2-2-6) Outdoor expansion valve 45
The outdoor expansion valve 45 connects the second inlet/outlet 45y to the first inlet/outlet 21x of the indoor heat exchanger 21 .

(2-2-7) Outdoor control section 86
An outdoor control section 86 constituting the control section 8 is arranged in the outdoor unit 4 . As shown in FIG. 6, the outdoor controller 86 includes a control device 86a, a storage device 86b, and an arithmetic device 86c.

The control device 86a reads the control program stored in the storage device 86b and outputs necessary commands to each device.

The storage device 86b stores request values from the indoor control unit 81 as needed, in addition to each control program.

The computing device 86c reads data or request values stored in the storage device 86b and computes necessary control values according to commands from the control device 86a.

A processor such as a CPU or GPU is employed as the control device 86a and the arithmetic device 86c. The above description is an example and is not limited to the above description.

The outdoor controller 86 is connected to the indoor controller 81 . The outdoor controller 86 is also connected to the motor 41 m of the compressor 41 , the four-way valve 42 and the motor 46 m of the outdoor fan 46 .

The outdoor control unit 86 can control the operating frequency of the motor 41m of the compressor 41, the opening degree of the four-way valve 42, and the rotation speed of the motor 46m of the outdoor fan 46.

2 and 5 show an outdoor air temperature sensor 51, a discharge pipe temperature sensor 52, and an outdoor heat exchanger temperature sensor 53 among the sensors that the outdoor unit 4 has. These sensors are connected to the outdoor controller 86 .

The outdoor controller 86 can detect the temperature of the outdoor air with the outdoor air temperature sensor 51 . In addition, the control unit 8 can detect the temperature of the refrigerant flowing through the discharge pipe (refrigerant pipe connected to the discharge port of the compressor 41) by the discharge pipe temperature sensor 52, and the temperature of the outdoor heat exchanger by the outdoor heat exchanger temperature sensor 53. 44 can sense the temperature of the coolant flowing through a specific location.

The outdoor control unit 86 monitors the state of the refrigerant in the refrigerant circuit 13 using the discharge pipe temperature sensor 52, the outdoor heat exchanger temperature sensor 53, the indoor heat exchanger temperature sensor 35, and the like when controlling the refrigeration cycle.

The refrigerant circuit 13 includes a compressor 41 , a four-way valve 42 , an accumulator 43 , an outdoor heat exchanger 44 , an outdoor expansion valve 45 and an indoor heat exchanger 21 . A refrigerant circulates in the refrigerant circuit 13 . Refrigerants include, for example, fluorocarbons such as R32 refrigerant and R410 refrigerant, and carbon dioxide.

In the vapor compression refrigeration cycle, the refrigerant is compressed by the compressor 41 and heated, and then the refrigerant releases heat in the outdoor heat exchanger 44 or the indoor heat exchanger 21 . Also, in the vapor compression refrigeration cycle, the refrigerant is decompressed and expanded by the outdoor expansion valve 45 , and then the refrigerant absorbs heat in the indoor heat exchanger 21 or the outdoor heat exchanger 44 .

(3) Configuration of Humidifier 106 FIG. 7 is an exploded perspective view showing a configuration example of the humidifier 106 in FIG. 7, the humidifier 106 includes a casing 110, a pre-filter 121, a dust filter 122, a deodorizing filter 123, a blower fan 130, a humidifying filter unit 140, a water tray 150, and a tank 160. ing. Casing 110 includes a body portion 111 and a front panel 112 .

FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing the appearance of humidifier 106 in FIG. In FIG. 8, humidifier 106 has suction port 113 at the boundary between front panel 112 and main body 111 . The suction port 113 is provided at the lower portion and both sides of the front panel 112 . The outlet 114 is provided on the upper portion of the body portion 111 .

7 and 8, when the blower fan 130 is driven, the indoor air sucked from the suction port 113 passes through the pre-filter 121, the dust collection filter 122, the deodorizing filter 123 and the humidification filter unit 140, It is blown out from the blowout port 114 .

An operation panel 115 is provided on the top surface of the main body 111 . Operation panel 115 is provided with a plurality of operation buttons.

The pre-filter 121 mainly removes large dust particles from the air passing through it. The dust collection filter 122 mainly removes fine dust from the passing air. The deodorizing filter 123 contains activated carbon, for example. The deodorizing filter 123 mainly removes odor components from the passing air.

The humidification filter unit 140 has a humidification rotor 141 including a humidification filter 142 . The humidification rotor 141 is rotated by a motor 143 (see FIG. 2). The humidifying filter 142 is supplied with water stored in the water tray 150 by rotating together with the humidifying rotor 141 .

The humidifying filter 142 supplied with water supplies moisture to the passing air. When the motor 143 stops and the rotation of the humidification rotor 141 stops, the humidification filter unit 140 stops humidification.

The water tray 150 replenishes the water supplied to the humidification filter 142 by receiving water supply from the tank 160 . A user refills the tank 160 with water.

As shown in FIG. 6, the humidifier controller 89 includes a processor 89a and a memory 89b.

The processor 89a reads the control program stored in the memory 89b and outputs necessary commands to each device.

The memory 89b stores request values from the indoor control unit 81 as needed, in addition to each control program.

The processor 89a also reads the data or request values stored in the memory 89b and computes the necessary control values.

A processor such as a CPU or GPU is employed as the processor 89a. The above description is an example and is not limited to the above description.

The controller 8 can control the motor 143 via the humidifier controller 89 . Therefore, the controller 8 can cause the humidifier 106 to perform the humidifying operation by turning on the motor 143, and stop the humidifying operation by turning off the motor 143. FIG.

The humidifier 106 includes an indoor temperature sensor 171, an indoor humidity sensor 172, and a water supply sensor 173, as shown in FIG. The indoor temperature sensor 171 , the indoor humidity sensor 172 and the water supply sensor 173 are connected to the humidifier controller 89 .

Therefore, the controller 8 can detect the temperature and relative humidity of the indoor air with the indoor temperature sensor 171 and the indoor humidity sensor 172 via the humidifier controller 89 . The controller 8 of the first embodiment may use the indoor temperature sensor 31 and the indoor humidity sensor 32 or the indoor temperature sensor 171 and the indoor humidity sensor 172 for control.

The control unit 8 may use both sensors at the same time, for example, using the average value of the indoor temperature sensors 31 and 171 as the temperature of the indoor air. Further, the control unit 8 may use both sensors at the same time for control, for example, using the average value of the indoor humidity sensors 32 and 172 as the relative humidity of the indoor air.

(4) Operation of Indoor Air Conditioning System 1 (4-1) Normal Operation Normal operation of the indoor air conditioning system 1 includes, for example, cooling operation, heating operation, dehumidification operation, air blowing operation, and air cleaning operation. Here, normal operation is operation other than cleaning operation. Normal operation is not limited to the cooling operation and heating operation described above.

(4-1-1) Cooling Operation Before starting the cooling operation, the remote controller 15, for example, instructs the controller 8 to perform the cooling operation and also instructs the target temperature. During cooling operation, the control unit 8 switches the four-way valve 42 to the state indicated by the solid line in FIG.

During cooling operation, the four-way valve 42 allows the refrigerant to flow between the first port P1 and the second port P2 and the refrigerant between the third port P3 and the fourth port P4. The four-way valve 42 during cooling operation allows the high-temperature, high-pressure gas refrigerant discharged from the compressor 41 to flow to the outdoor heat exchanger 44 .

The outdoor heat exchanger 44 exchanges heat between the refrigerant and the outdoor air supplied by the outdoor fan 46 . The refrigerant that has released heat in the outdoor heat exchanger 44 is depressurized by the outdoor expansion valve 45 and flows into the indoor heat exchanger 21 .

In the indoor heat exchanger 21 , heat is exchanged between the refrigerant and indoor air supplied by the indoor fan 22 . The refrigerant that has absorbed heat through heat exchange in the indoor heat exchanger 21 is sucked into the compressor 41 via the four-way valve 42 and the accumulator 43 .

The indoor air cooled by the indoor heat exchanger 21 is blown out from the indoor unit 2 to the room RM, thereby cooling the room.

In the air conditioner 10, in the cooling operation, the indoor heat exchanger 21 functions as a refrigerant evaporator to warm the indoor air in the room RM, and the outdoor heat exchanger 44 functions as a refrigerant radiator.

(4-1-2) Heating Operation Before starting the heating operation, the remote controller 15, for example, instructs the controller 8 to perform the heating operation and also instructs the target temperature. During heating operation, the control unit 8 switches the four-way valve 42 to the state indicated by the dashed line in FIG.

During heating operation, the four-way valve 42 allows the refrigerant to flow between the first port P1 and the fourth port P4 and the refrigerant between the second port P2 and the third port P3. The four-way valve 42 during heating operation allows the high-temperature, high-pressure gas refrigerant discharged from the compressor 41 to flow to the indoor heat exchanger 21 .

The indoor heat exchanger 21 exchanges heat between the refrigerant and indoor air supplied by the indoor fan 22 . The refrigerant that has released heat in the indoor heat exchanger 21 is decompressed by the outdoor expansion valve 45 and flows into the outdoor heat exchanger 44 .

The outdoor heat exchanger 44 exchanges heat between the refrigerant and indoor air supplied by the outdoor fan 46 . The refrigerant that has absorbed heat through heat exchange in the outdoor heat exchanger 44 is sucked into the compressor 41 via the four-way valve 42 and the accumulator 43 .

The room is heated by the indoor air warmed by the indoor heat exchanger 21 being blown from the indoor unit 2 to the room RM.

In the air conditioner 10, in the heating operation, the indoor heat exchanger 21 functions as a refrigerant radiator to warm the indoor air in the room RM, and the outdoor heat exchanger 44 functions as a refrigerant evaporator.

(4-1-3) Dehumidification Operation Before the dehumidification operation is started, the remote controller 15, for example, instructs the controller 8 to perform the dehumidification operation. Here, a case where a plurality of modes can be selected in the dehumidifying operation will be described.

Information indicating which of the first dehumidification mode, the second dehumidification mode, and the third dehumidification mode has been selected is transmitted from the remote controller 15 to the control unit 8 .

In the first dehumidification mode, a first dehumidification operation is performed in which substantially the entire indoor heat exchanger 21 is used as the evaporation zone.

In the second dehumidifying mode, a second dehumidifying operation is performed in which at least a portion of the indoor heat exchanger 21 on the windward side is used as the evaporation area and the remaining portion of the indoor heat exchanger 21 is used as the superheating area.

In the third dehumidification mode, in the indoor heat exchanger 21, the portion upstream of the reheat dehumidification valve 28 is set as the condensation area, while the portion downstream of the reheat dehumidification valve 28 is set as the evaporation area. Third dehumidification operation is done.

During the dehumidifying operation, the controller 8 switches the four-way valve 42 to the state indicated by the solid line in FIG.

During the dehumidification operation, the four-way valve 42 allows the refrigerant to flow between the first port P1 and the second port P2 and the refrigerant between the third port P3 and the fourth port P4. Therefore, in the refrigerant circuit 13, the refrigerant flows in the same direction during the dehumidifying operation and during the cooling operation. A refrigerating cycle is also implemented in the refrigerant circuit 13 in the dehumidifying operation.

(4-1-3-1) First dehumidification operation In the first dehumidification operation, when the refrigerant circulates in the refrigerant circuit 13, the control unit 8 fully opens the reheat dehumidification valve 28, and the operating frequency of the compressor 41 and the The degree of opening of the outdoor expansion valve 45 is adjusted. In the first dehumidifying operation, substantially all of the indoor heat exchanger 21 is used as the evaporation zone.

As a result, the first dehumidifying operation increases the sensible heat capacity, which is the capacity for changing the indoor temperature.

Here, substantially all of the indoor heat exchanger 21 is used as the evaporation area, not only when the entire indoor heat exchanger 21 is used as the evaporation area, but only a portion of the indoor heat exchanger 21 excluding a part is included as the evaporation zone.

When only this portion (for example, a portion of 1/3 or less of the total volume of the indoor heat exchanger 21) does not become the evaporation area, for example, the portion near the refrigerant outlet of the indoor heat exchanger 21 due to the indoor environment becomes an overheating region.

(4-1-3-2) Second dehumidification operation In the second dehumidification operation, when the refrigerant circulates in the refrigerant circuit 13, the control unit 8 fully opens the reheat dehumidification valve 28, and the operating frequency of the compressor 41 and the The degree of opening of the outdoor expansion valve 45 is adjusted.

In the second dehumidifying operation, at least part of the windward side of the first heat exchange section 21F is used as an evaporation area, while the remaining part of the first heat exchange section 21F and the second heat exchange section 21R are used as a superheat area.

The control unit 8 controls the compressor 41 and the outdoor expansion valve 45 so that the evaporation area has a predetermined volume (for example, 2/3 of the total volume of the indoor heat exchanger 21) or less during the second dehumidification operation.
At this time, the degree of opening of the outdoor expansion valve 45 is normally smaller than the degree of opening of the outdoor expansion valve 45 during the first dehumidification operation.

Since the second dehumidification operation has a lower sensible heat capacity than the first dehumidification operation, it is possible to dehumidify the room while suppressing a decrease in room temperature when the heat load in the room is neither high nor low.

(4-1-3-3) Third dehumidification operation (reheat dehumidification operation)
In the third dehumidification operation, when the refrigerant circulates in the refrigerant circuit 13, the control unit 8 closes the reheat dehumidification valve 28, adjusts the operating frequency of the compressor 41, and fully opens the outdoor expansion valve 45. do.

In the third dehumidification operation, the pressure is reduced by closing the reheat dehumidification valve 28 .

In the third dehumidification operation, the first heat exchange section 21F is used as the condensation area, while the second heat exchange section 21R is used as the evaporation area.

In the third dehumidifying operation, since the first heat exchange section 21F functions as a condensation area, it is possible to dehumidify the room more effectively than in the second dehumidifying operation while suppressing a decrease in room temperature.

(4-1-4) Blowing operation Before starting the blowing operation, the remote controller 15, for example, instructs the controller 8 to start the blowing operation. During the blowing operation, the control unit 8 stops the compressor 41 and stops the refrigeration cycle in the refrigerant circuit 13 .

In the air-blowing operation, there are cases where the target air volume is instructed from the remote controller 15 and where the indoor unit 2 automatically selects the target air volume. The controller 8 controls the motor 22m of the indoor fan 22 so as to achieve the target air volume.

For example, in normal operation, the control unit 8 is configured to increase the rotation speed in the order of the LL tap, the lowest rotation speed, the L tap, the M tap, and the H tap.

(4-1-5) Air Cleaning Operation The indoor air conditioning system 1 of the first embodiment uses the discharge unit 29 to perform an air cleaning operation. Here, the air cleaning operation is an operation for suppressing harmful components and/or odorous components in the air.

The air cleaning operation is, for example, an operation in which harmful components and/or odor components are suppressed by the decomposition power of streamer discharge.

(4-2) Humidification Operation In the indoor air conditioning system 1, two methods are set for supplying moisture by the humidifier . The controller 8 selects an appropriate operation from the first humidification operation and the second humidification operation.

The first humidification operation is an operation in which humidification is performed simultaneously with heating. In the first humidification operation, the control unit 8 controls the air conditioner 10 and the humidifier 106 so that the air conditioner 10 performs the heating operation for the room RM and the humidifier 106 performs the humidification operation for the room RM at the same time. .

The second humidification operation is an operation in which the heating operation in the first humidification operation is stopped and only the humidification operation is performed. In the second humidification operation, the controller 8 controls the air conditioner 10 and the humidifier 106 so that the room RM is humidified by the humidification operation of the humidifier 106 . In the second humidification operation, the heating operation is not performed, but the air blowing operation by the air conditioner 10 is performed.

(4-3) Cleaning Operation The indoor air conditioning system 1 uses the humidifier 106 to perform cleaning operation. In the indoor air-conditioning system 1, the humidifier 106 sucks indoor air from the suction port 113, adds moisture to the indoor air, and blows it out from the outlet 114 into the room RM.

The indoor air conditioning system 1 performs the first humidification operation using the air conditioner 10 and the humidifier 106 . In the first humidification operation, the control unit 8 causes the air conditioner 10 to perform the heating operation of the room RM, and simultaneously causes the humidifier 106 to humidify the room RM. In the second humidification operation of the indoor air conditioning system 1, the controller 8 stops the operation of the air conditioner 10 and causes the humidifier 106 to perform humidification.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the indoor air conditioning system 1. FIG. The cleaning operation will be described below with reference to the flow chart of FIG. When the cleaning operation is started, the control unit 8 is instructed to start the cleaning operation (manual start), and the control unit 8 automatically determines the start of the cleaning operation (automatic start). in the case of start).

The indoor air conditioning system 1 of the first embodiment supports both manual start and automatic start. However, the room air conditioning system 1 can also be configured for either manual start or automatic start.

(Step S1)
In step S1, the control unit 8 determines whether or not there is an instruction for the cleaning operation. When the controller 8 determines that there is an instruction for the cleaning operation, the process proceeds to step S2.

As a manual start, for example, the cleaning operation start button for instructing the cleaning operation of the remote controller 15 may be pressed.

Further, when the control unit 8 determines that there is no instruction for the cleaning operation, the process proceeds to step S11.

(Step S2)
In step S2, the control unit 8 controls the motor 27m so that the horizontal flap 27 is opened and fixed at a predetermined angle in order to start the cleaning operation. The angle of the horizontal flap 27 is preferably such that the air blown from the indoor unit 2 does not hit the person directly even if there is a person in the room RM.

Further, the control section 8 controls the discharge unit 29 to start streamer discharge. If the horizontal flap 27 has already been opened before the process of step S2, it is maintained. Further, when the streamer discharge has already started before the process of step S2, the state of performing the streamer discharge is maintained. Streamer discharge ends with the end of the cleaning operation.

When streamer discharge is performed in the cleaning operation, the indoor air conditioning system 1 can clean the indoor heat exchanger 21 . However, the indoor air-conditioning system 1 can also be configured so that the discharge of the discharge unit 29 is stopped and the cleaning operation is performed.

(Step S3)
In step S3, the controller 8 determines whether the humidity of the air in the room RM has reached a predetermined value AH1. The controller 8 determines that the indoor humidity reaches the predetermined value AH1 (predetermined humidity) not only when the indoor humidity is the predetermined value AH1 but also when it exceeds the predetermined value AH1. do. As humidity, absolute humidity may be used, but relative humidity may be substituted. When using the relative humidity instead, the detected value of the relative humidity may be adjusted according to the ambient temperature, if necessary.

The controller 8 detects the indoor temperature with the indoor temperature sensor 31 and detects the indoor relative humidity with the indoor humidity sensor 32 . When the absolute humidity is used as the humidity, the controller 8 determines the room RM from the air temperature value MT detected by the room temperature sensor 31 and the air relative humidity value MRH detected by the room humidity sensor 32. The absolute humidity of the air inside can be calculated.

When the controller 8 determines that the indoor humidity has reached the predetermined value AH1, the process proceeds to step S4.

When the controller 8 determines that the indoor humidity has not reached the predetermined value AH1, the process proceeds to step S31.

(Step S4)
Next, the controller 8 starts the cleaning operation in step S4. In the cleaning operation, the air conditioner 10 performs an operation that causes the indoor heat exchanger 21 to function as an evaporator, as in the cooling operation or the dehumidifying operation. In the indoor air conditioning system 1 of the first embodiment, the controller 8 controls the air conditioner 10 to perform the same operation as the first dehumidifying operation.

The controller 8 starts counting with the timer 83 from the start of the cleaning operation.

(Step S5)
Next, in step S5, the controller 8 determines whether or not a predetermined time tt2 has elapsed since the cleaning operation was started. When the controller 8 determines that "the predetermined time tt2 has elapsed since the cleaning operation was started", it ends the first dehumidification operation and proceeds to step S6.

When the controller 8 determines that "the predetermined time tt2 has not passed since the cleaning operation was started", the process returns to step S4 to continue the cleaning operation.

(Step S6)
The controller 8 ends the cleaning operation in step S6.

(Step S11)
Steps S1 to S6 are the main flow of operations. On the other hand, when the control unit 8 determines in step S1 that there is no instruction for the cleaning operation, the control unit 8 determines in step S11 whether or not the conditions for starting the cleaning operation are satisfied.

When the controller 8 determines that "the conditions for starting the cleaning operation are satisfied", the process proceeds to step S2. The conditions for shifting to the cleaning operation in step S11 will be described later in "(3-3) Conditions for shifting to the cleaning operation".

If the controller 8 determines that "the conditions for starting the cleaning operation are not satisfied", the process returns to step S1.

(Step S31)
Further, when the controller 8 determines that the indoor humidity has not reached the predetermined value AH1 in the previous step S3, the controller 8 performs the first humidification operation or the second humidification operation based on the indoor temperature in step S31. 2. In order to select the humidifying operation, it is determined whether or not the temperature detected by the room temperature sensor 31 is equal to or higher than a predetermined temperature T1.

(Step S32A)
If the controller 8 determines in step S31 that "the temperature detected by the room temperature sensor 31 is not equal to or higher than the predetermined temperature T1", the controller 8 performs the first humidification operation in step S32A.

(Step S32B)
When the controller 8 determines in step S31 that "the temperature detected by the room temperature sensor 31 is equal to or higher than the predetermined temperature T1", the controller 8 performs the second humidification operation in step S32B.

The humidification operation by the humidifier 106 is performed in both the first humidification operation and the second humidification operation. The humidifying operations performed in the first humidifying operation and the second humidifying operation are set to be equal to or greater than the maximum value of the humidifying capacity that appears in the humidifying operation of the normal operation. In the cleaning operation, the comfort of the room RM is not emphasized, but rather the priority is given to finishing the cleaning operation quickly.

Therefore, in the cleaning operation, the first humidifying operation or the second humidifying operation is performed at a maximum humidifying capacity value or higher that appears in the normal humidifying operation so that the indoor humidity quickly reaches the predetermined value AH1.

For example, when the humidifying capacity of the humidifying operation of the normal operation is set to be L tap, M tap, and H tap in order from the lowest, the H tap is selected in the first humidifying operation and the second humidifying operation. .

In the first humidification operation, the control unit 8 controls the air conditioner 10 together with the humidifier 106 so that the heating operation is performed simultaneously with the humidification operation. The control unit 8 controls the air conditioner 10 so as to achieve a preset target temperature for the cleaning operation.

Since the heating operation performed by the air conditioner 10 in the cleaning operation is the same as the operation of the air conditioner 10 in the normal heating operation, the explanation is omitted here.

(Step S33)
Next, in step S33, the control unit 8 determines whether or not a predetermined time tt1 has elapsed from the start of humidification in either the first humidification operation or the second humidification operation. .

If the controller 8 determines that the predetermined time tt1 has not elapsed, it returns to step S3 and continues the first humidification operation or the second humidification operation until the indoor humidity reaches the predetermined value AH1.

When the control unit 8 determines that the predetermined time tt1 has passed, the process proceeds to step S34.

(Step S34)
When the control unit 8 determines in the previous step S33 that "the predetermined time tt1 has passed", the control unit 8 notifies an abnormality in step S34 and returns to step S6.

(Conditions for transition to cleaning operation)
In the indoor air conditioning system 1, the controller 8 automatically determines whether or not to shift to the cleaning operation in step S11 of FIG.

FIG. 10 is a flow chart showing an operation example of the control unit when automatically shifting to the cleaning operation. The processing of the control unit 8 for determining the cleaning operation transition condition will be described with reference to FIG. 10 .

(Step S41)
In step S41, the control unit 8 determines whether or not the operation mode is an operation other than the cleaning operation. When the control unit 8 determines that "the operation mode is not an operation other than the cleaning operation (the operation mode is the cleaning operation)", the operation proceeds to step S48 and resets the integrated driving time.

When the control unit 8 determines that "the operation mode is an operation other than the cleaning operation", the control unit 8 proceeds to step S42.

(Step S42)
Next, in step S42, the control unit 8 determines whether or not the operation mode is an operation other than the cooling operation and the dehumidifying operation. When the control unit 8 determines that "the indoor air conditioning system 1 is performing an operation other than the cooling operation and the dehumidifying operation", in other words, the indoor air conditioning system 1 performs the heating operation, the air blowing operation, or the air cleaning operation. If so, the process proceeds to step S43.

If the controller 8 does not determine that "the indoor air conditioning system 1 is performing an operation other than the cooling operation and the dehumidifying operation", the process proceeds to step S421.

(Step S43)
The control part 8 counts the driving time of the indoor fan 22 in step S43.

The processor 81a counts the driving time of the indoor fan 22 using the timer 83, for example. The processor 81a stores the counted driving time in the memory 81b. The driving time of the indoor fan 22 is counted until the current operation ends.

For example, even during the heating operation, when the temperature of the room RM reaches the target temperature and the compressor 41 and the indoor fan 22 are stopped, the driving time of the indoor fan 22 is not counted.

The driving time of the indoor fan 22 is counted during the first driving time and the second driving time. The first drive time is the drive time of the indoor fan 22 during the heating operation of the indoor unit 2 .

The second driving time is the driving time of the indoor fan 22 during the air blowing operation and the air cleaning operation.

(Step S421)
On the other hand, in the previous step S42, if the control unit 8 does not determine that the indoor air conditioning system 1 is "operating other than the cooling operation or the dehumidifying operation", in other words, if the indoor air conditioning system 1 is in the cooling operation or the dehumidifying operation is being performed, in this step S421, it is determined whether or not the operating time of the cooling operation or the dehumidifying operation is equal to or longer than the predetermined time tt3.

The operating time of the cooling operation or the dehumidifying operation is counted by the processor 81a using the timer 83, for example. The processor 81a stores the counted operating time in the memory 81b.

When the control unit 8 determines that "the operating time of the cooling operation or the dehumidifying operation is equal to or longer than the predetermined time tt3", the control unit 8 proceeds to step S48 and resets the integrated driving time of the indoor fan 22. The control unit 8 resets the cumulative drive time when the indoor unit 2 performs the cooling operation or the dehumidifying operation that causes dew condensation in the indoor heat exchanger 21 .

If the control unit 8 determines that the operating time of the cooling operation and the dehumidifying operation is less than the predetermined time tt3, the control unit 8 does not count the driving time of the indoor fan 22 and proceeds to step S44.

(Step S44)
In step S44, the control unit 8 determines whether or not the current operation has ended. In other words, the control unit 8 performs control so that the driving time of the indoor fan 22 when the indoor unit 2 is operating to cause condensation in the indoor heat exchanger 21 in normal operation is not included in the integrated driving time.

When the control unit 8 determines that the current operation has ended, the control unit 8 proceeds to step S45.

(Step S45)
The control unit 8 calculates the cumulative drive time of the indoor fan 22 in step S45. The control unit 8 adds up the drive times stored in the memory 81b to calculate the integrated drive time.

Here, the driving times of the indoor fan 22 in the heating operation, the air blowing operation, and the air cleaning operation are totaled to calculate the integrated driving time. However, the method of calculating the integrated drive time is not limited to the method of simply totaling the drive times of each operation. For example, the control unit 8 can be configured to calculate the integrated driving time by weighting each driving type.

(Step S46)
In step S46, the control unit 8 determines whether or not the integrated driving time is equal to or longer than the predetermined driving time CT1. The controller 8 proceeds to step S47 when determining that the integrated driving time is equal to or longer than the predetermined driving time CT1.

The determination in step S47 of FIG. 10 is an example of the determination in step S11 of FIG. Here, if the integrated driving time is equal to or longer than the predetermined driving time CT1, it is determined that the conditions for shifting to the cleaning operation are satisfied.

However, the condition for shifting to the cleaning operation does not have to be that the integrated driving time is equal to or longer than the predetermined driving time CT1. For example, a condition that the normal operation is stopped may be added as a condition for shifting to the cleaning operation.

The controller 8 returns to step S41 and repeats the step for accumulating the accumulated drive time when determining that the accumulated drive time is less than the predetermined drive time CT1.

(Step S47)
In step S47, the controller 8 sets a flag indicating that the conditions for shifting to the cleaning operation are satisfied, and stores the flag in the memory 81b.

(Step S48)
The control unit 8 resets the integrated driving time in step S48.

(Step S49)
If the indoor air conditioning system 1 is not stopped in step S49, the controller 8 returns to step S41 and repeats the steps for integrating the integrated driving time.

In the case of the cleaning operation, steps S41, S48 and S49 are repeated, so even if the indoor fan 22 is driven, the cumulative driving time is not counted.

(4-4) Humidifier Control in Cleaning Operation The humidification operation by the humidifier 106 is performed in both the first humidification operation and the second humidification operation. The humidification operations performed in the first humidification operation and the second humidification operation are set to be equal to or greater than the maximum humidification capacity that appears in the normal humidification operation.

FIG. 11A is an operation flowchart of humidifier control in the cleaning operation. In FIG. 11A, the flow after step S321 shows the control operation of the control unit 8 performed inside steps S32A and S32B of FIG.

(Step S321)
In step S321, the controller 8 determines whether or not there is a humidification operation start command for the humidifier 106. FIG. When there is a command to start the humidifying operation of the humidifier 106, the controller 8 proceeds to step S322.

(Step S322)
In step S322, the control unit 8 issues a notification prompting confirmation of the remaining water amount of the tank 160. FIG.

The purpose of the notification is to prevent the tank 160 of the humidifier 106 from running out of water during the cleaning operation by prompting confirmation of the remaining water amount in the tank 160 of the humidifier 106 when performing the cleaning operation of the indoor heat exchanger 21. This is to secure condensed water (condensed water) necessary for cleaning.

As a notification means, the control unit 8 displays a message prompting water supply to the tank 160 via the display screen 15a of the remote controller 15, or emits a voice message prompting water supply to the tank 160 via the speaker 82. , etc., are employed.

(Step S323)
In step S323, the controller 8 determines whether or not the cleaning operation start button has been turned on. As a response from the user to the notification in step S322, the control unit 8 waits for the cleaning operation until the cleaning operation start button is turned on. Although the "washing operation start button" is provided on the remote controller 15, it is also possible to instruct the washing operation start from the communication terminal 230 such as a smart phone instead.

When the controller 8 determines that the washing operation start button has been turned on, the process proceeds to step S324. On the other hand, when the control unit 8 determines that the cleaning operation start button is not turned on, it waits for the cleaning operation.

(Step S324)
The controller 8 starts operating the humidifier 106 in step S324. The humidification capacity of the humidifier 106 is set to L tap, M tap, and H tap in order from the lowest, and the H tap is selected for the first humidification operation and the second humidification operation during the cleaning operation.

(Step S325)
In step S325, the controller 8 determines whether or not there is an instruction to stop the cleaning operation. This is because the user may want to stop the washing operation, and in such a case, it is necessary to forcibly terminate the washing operation even during the humidification operation.

When there is a command to stop the cleaning operation, the control unit 8 proceeds to step S6 in FIG. The control unit 8 may notify the stop of the cleaning operation via the communication terminal 230 such as a smart phone or the remote controller 15 .

If there is no instruction to stop the cleaning operation, the controller 8 proceeds to step S33 in FIG.

As described above, in the first humidification operation of step S32A and the second humidification operation of step S32B in FIG. 9, the control of steps S321 to S325 is executed.

(4-5) Modified Example of Humidification Control (4-5-1) First Modified Example of Humidification Control In step S322 of the flowchart in FIG. is not limited to

FIG. 11B is an operation flowchart of humidifier control in the cleaning operation of the indoor air conditioning system according to the first modification.

11B, the difference between FIG. 11A and FIG. 11B is that step S322 in FIG. 11A is replaced with step S322x.

Other steps are the same as in FIG. 11A, so only step S322x will be described here, and description of other steps will be omitted.

(Step S322x)
In step S322x, the control unit 8 issues a notification to prompt the supply of water to the tank 160. FIG. The notification is performed via the display screen 15a of the remote controller 15 or the speaker 82, as described in step S322 of the first embodiment.

For example, if the user turns on the cleaning operation start button without noticing that the water in the tank 160 is insufficient, the tank 160 may run out of water during the cleaning operation and the cleaning operation may not be performed satisfactorily. There is

Therefore, when performing the cleaning operation of the indoor heat exchanger 21, by prompting the supply of water to the tank 160, the water shortage in the tank 160 of the humidifier 106 is suppressed during the cleaning operation, and the condensed water (condensation) necessary for cleaning is suppressed. water).

(4-5-2) Second Modified Example of Humidification Control In step S323 of the flowchart of FIG. 11A, it is determined whether or not the washing operation start button has been turned on, but the present invention is not limited to this.

FIG. 11C is an operation flowchart of humidifier control in the cleaning operation of the indoor air conditioning system according to the second modification.

11C, the difference between FIG. 11A and FIG. 11C is that step S322 of FIG. 11A is replaced with step S322y, and step S323 of FIG. 11A is replaced with step 323x.

Other steps are the same as in FIG. 11A, so only steps S322y and 323x will be described here, and description of other steps will be omitted.

(Step S322y)
In step S322y, the control unit 8 issues a notification to prompt the supply of water to the tank 160, and at the same time starts timing.

The notification is performed via the display screen 15a of the remote controller 15 or the speaker 82, as described in step S322 of the first embodiment.

Timing is performed by a timer 83 incorporated in the processor 81a of the indoor controller 81. FIG.

(Step S323x)
In step S323x, the control unit 8 determines whether or not a predetermined period of time has elapsed after the notification in step 322y. The predetermined time is measured by the timer 83 started in step S322y.

The predetermined time can be set arbitrarily, but the initial setting is 5 minutes. The five minutes is assumed to be the time required for the user to supply water to the tank 160 after the notification prompting the user to supply water to the tank 160 is given.

The control unit 8 proceeds to step 324 when 5 minutes have passed after issuing the notification to prompt the supply of water to the tank 160, and starts the humidification operation.

As described above, when performing the cleaning operation of the indoor heat exchanger 21, after urging water to be supplied to the tank 160, by waiting for the user to supply water to the tank 160, water shortage in the tank 160 during the cleaning operation is suppressed. .

(4-5-3) Third Modification of Humidification Control FIG. 12 is an operation flowchart of humidifier control in the cleaning operation of the indoor air conditioning system according to the third modification. In FIG. 12, the flow after step S51 shows the control operation of the control unit 8 performed inside steps S352A and S32B of FIG.

(Step S51)
In step S51, the controller 8 determines whether or not there is a humidification operation start command for the humidifier 106. FIG. When there is a command to start the humidifying operation of the humidifier 106, the controller 8 proceeds to step S52.

(Step S52)
The controller 8 detects or estimates the remaining water content of the tank 160 in step S52. If the humidifier 106 is equipped with a water level sensor, the controller 8 detects the remaining water level in the tank 160 with the water level sensor.

If the humidifier 106 does not have a water volume sensor, the controller 8 estimates the remaining water volume in the tank 160 based on the operation history of the humidifier 106 and the water supply history to the tank 160 .

Specifically, in the humidifier control unit 89 of the humidifier 106, the processor 89a counts the water supply time to the tank 160 and the humidifying operation time performed after the most recent water supply, and stores it in the memory 89b.

The processor 89a reads the humidifying operation time from the memory 89b, calculates the amount of water consumed in the tank 160 from the humidifying operation time, and further calculates the remaining water amount in the tank 160. FIG.

After detecting or estimating the amount of water remaining in the tank 160, the controller 8 proceeds to step S53.

(Step S53)
In step S53, the control unit 8 determines whether or not the remaining water amount in the tank 160 is less than the first predetermined amount. When the control unit 8 determines that the remaining water amount in the tank 160 is less than the first predetermined amount, it proceeds to step S54, and when it determines that the remaining water amount in the tank 160 is equal to or greater than the first predetermined amount, it proceeds to step S54. Proceed to S57.

(Step S54)
In step S54, the control unit 8 issues a notification to prompt the supply of water to the tank 160. FIG. As a notification means, the control unit 8 displays a message prompting water supply to the tank 160 via the display screen 15a of the remote controller 15, or emits a voice message prompting water supply to the tank 160 via the speaker 82. , etc., are employed.

(Step S55)
In step S55, the control unit 8 detects or estimates the remaining water amount of the tank 160 again. If the humidifier 106 is equipped with a water level sensor, the controller 8 detects the remaining water level in the tank 160 with the water level sensor.

If the humidifier 106 does not have a water level sensor, the controller 8 estimates the remaining water level in the tank 160 by the following method. The humidifier 106 has a switch mechanism whose contacts are turned on by the gravity of the tank 160 filled with water.

Since the ON/OFF signal of the switch mechanism is input to the humidifier control section 89 of the humidifier 106 , the ON/OFF operation of the switch mechanism can be detected by the humidifier control section 89 . Therefore, when the switch mechanism is turned on and off after the notification prompting the water supply to the tank 160, it can be estimated that the water supply to the tank 160 has been performed to the full level (the second predetermined amount or more).

After detecting or estimating the amount of water remaining in the tank 160, the controller 8 proceeds to step S53.

(Step S56)
In step S56, the controller 8 determines whether or not the remaining water amount in the tank 160 is equal to or greater than the second predetermined amount.

The second predetermined amount is set to a value greater than the first predetermined amount. This is because, if the second predetermined amount and the first predetermined amount are set to the same value, the determination of less than that value and more than that value becomes unstable.

When the control unit 8 determines that the remaining water amount in the tank 160 is equal to or greater than the second predetermined amount, the process proceeds to step S57. Return to S54.

(Step S57)
The controller 8 starts humidification operation by the humidifier 106 in step S57. The humidification capacity of the humidifier 106 is set to L tap, M tap, and H tap in order from the lowest, and the H tap is selected for the first humidification operation and the second humidification operation during the cleaning operation.

(Step S58)
In step S58, the controller 8 determines whether or not there is an instruction to stop the cleaning operation. This is because the user may want to stop the washing operation, and in such a case, it is necessary to forcibly terminate the washing operation even during the humidification operation.

When there is a command to stop the cleaning operation, the control unit 8 proceeds to step S6 in FIG. The control unit 8 may notify the stop of the cleaning operation via the communication terminal 230 such as a smart phone or the remote controller 15 .

If there is no instruction to stop the cleaning operation, the controller 8 proceeds to step S33 in FIG.

As described above, in the indoor air conditioning system according to the third modification, the control of steps S51 to S58 is executed in the first humidification operation of step S32A and the second humidification operation of step S32B in FIG.

(4-5-4) Fourth Modified Example of Humidification Control When the humidifier 106 includes a water level sensor, the controller 8 determines that the residual water level in the tank 160 is equal to or greater than a second predetermined level, which is greater than the first predetermined level. When it is determined that it is, the cleaning operation may be started without the notification for confirming the remaining water amount in the tank 160 and the notification for prompting the supply of water to the tank 160 .

(5) Features of the first embodiment (5-1)
In the indoor air-conditioning system 1, the controller 8 has an indoor controller 81 that determines execution of the cleaning operation. In the indoor air-conditioning system 1, when it is decided to carry out the cleaning operation, the control unit 8 notifies the user that the cleaning operation will be carried out via the display screen 15a of the remote controller 15 or the speaker 82, At least one of a notification prompting confirmation of the amount of water and a notification prompting to supply water to the tank 160 is performed. As a result, it is possible to prevent the humidifier from running out of water during the cleaning operation, and secure the condensed water (condensed water) necessary for cleaning.

(5-2)
In the indoor air conditioning system 1, when the humidifier 106 detects or estimates the residual water content of the tank 160 and determines that the residual water content is equal to or less than the first predetermined amount, to notify the user to refill the tank 160 with water.

(5-3)
In the indoor air conditioning system 1, the control unit 8 estimates the remaining water amount in the tank 160 based on the operation history of the humidifier 106 and the water supply history to the tank 160 acquired by the humidifier control unit 89. It is possible to adopt a humidifier that does not

(5-4)
In the indoor air-conditioning system 1, the controller 8 starts the cleaning operation when a signal for starting the cleaning operation is input from the remote controller 15 in response to the notification.

(5-5)
In the indoor air conditioning system 1, the cleaning operation can be started when the control unit 8 determines that the remaining water amount is equal to or greater than the second predetermined amount, which is larger than the first predetermined amount.

<Second embodiment>
In the first embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1, the humidifier 106 is instructed to operate from the indoor controller 81 of the air conditioner 10 via the wireless LAN router 210 and the wireless LAN adapter 85. Met.

In the second embodiment, cleaning operation when the air conditioner 10 is not interlocked with the humidifier will be described.

Since it is unknown what kind of humidifier the user will use, the humidifier 206 having only the humidifier function is assumed here.

(1) Cleaning Operation FIG. 13 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the indoor air conditioning system 1 according to the second embodiment. The cleaning operation will be described below with reference to the flow chart of FIG.

13, the difference from FIG. 9 of the first embodiment is that steps S31 to S34 in FIG. 9 are replaced with steps S131 to S134.

Therefore, the description of steps S1 to S6 will be omitted here, and steps S131 to S134 will be described.

(Step S131)
If the control unit 8 determines in the previous step S3 that the indoor humidity has not reached the predetermined value AH1, the control unit 8 activates a counter in step S131 to set the number N of notifications to prompt humidification. count.

If the process proceeds from step S1 to step S131 in a state in which notification to prompt humidification has not been issued even once, N=0.

(Step S132)
Next, in step S132, the control unit 8 determines whether or not the number of times N that the humidification prompting notification has been given has reached the predetermined number of times X. When the control unit 8 determines that the number of times N of the notifications has not reached the predetermined number of times X, the process proceeds to step S133.

On the other hand, when the control unit 8 determines that the number N of times of notification has reached the predetermined number of times X, the control unit 8 proceeds to step S6 and stops the cleaning operation.

(Step S133)
In step S133, the control unit 8 issues a notification to prompt humidification via the display screen 15a of the remote controller 15 or the speaker .

The notification prompting humidification includes notification prompting "to start the humidifier 206 and perform the humidification operation" and notification prompting "perform an operation to increase the humidifying capacity of the humidifier 206".

In the case of the second embodiment, since the humidifier 206 is not linked to the air conditioner 10, the controller 8 cannot grasp whether the humidifier 206 is operating.

Therefore, as a specific notification content, assuming that the humidifier 206 is stopped, a message A stating "The cleaning operation will be performed, so please humidify with the humidifier." good too.

In addition, assuming that the humidifier 206 is operating but the humidifying capacity is low, a message B may be sent that reads, "Since the cleaning operation will be performed, please increase the humidifying capacity of the humidifier."

Furthermore, assuming that the humidifier 206 is operating but the user has lowered the humidifying ability, a message C stating "The cleaning operation will be performed, so please restore the humidifying ability of the humidifier." may

In addition, assuming the heat exchanger cleaning operation time for cooling, a message D may be sent that reads, "Since the cleaning operation will be performed, please humidify for a period of time." α time is the time required for the cleaning operation.

Also, after each message A, B, C, and D, it is preferable to perform either a notification prompting confirmation of the remaining water amount in tank 160 or a notification prompting water supply to tank 160 .

(Step S134)
Next, in step S134, the control unit 8 determines whether or not a predetermined time ts1 has passed since the notification to prompt the humidification was performed. When the control unit 8 determines that the predetermined time ts1 has passed, the control unit 8 returns to step S3.

Here, the elapse of the predetermined time ts1 is awaited with the expectation that the user is performing the humidification operation by the humidifier 206 by the notification. Then, it is determined whether or not the humidifying operation is actually performed by returning to step S3.

As described above, the control unit 8 repeats the routine of issuing a notification to prompt humidification and waiting for the predetermined time ts1 to elapse N times. 8 presumes that the humidifier 206 is in a stopped state, and stops the washing operation.

The control unit 8 may notify the stop of the cleaning operation via the communication terminal 230 such as a smart phone or the remote controller 15 .

(2) Features of the second embodiment (2-1)
In the indoor air-conditioning system 1, the controller 8 has an indoor controller 81 that determines execution of the cleaning operation. In the indoor air-conditioning system 1, when it is decided to carry out the cleaning operation, the control unit 8 notifies the user that the cleaning operation will be carried out via the display screen 15a of the remote controller 15 or the speaker 82, At least one of a notification prompting confirmation of the amount of water and a notification prompting to supply water to the tank 160 is performed. As a result, it is possible to prevent the humidifier from running out of water during the cleaning operation, and secure the condensed water (condensed water) necessary for cleaning.

(2-2)
In the indoor air-conditioning system 1, the controller 8 starts the cleaning operation when a signal for starting the cleaning operation is input from the remote controller 15 in response to the notification.

<Other embodiments>
In the cleaning operation described in the first and second embodiments, the indoor heat exchanger 21 functions as an evaporator to condense the moisture contained in the indoor air in the indoor heat exchanger 21. The explanation is given assuming that the operation is to wash off dirt adhering to the surface.

However, it is not limited to this, and the cleaning operation includes an operation of performing a freezing operation in which the surface temperature of the indoor heat exchanger 21 is below freezing, and washing the indoor heat exchanger by thawing after the freezing operation is completed. be

Although embodiments of the present disclosure have been described above, it will be appreciated that various changes in form and detail may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure as set forth in the appended claims. .

1 indoor air conditioning system 2 indoor unit (air conditioning indoor unit)
8 control unit 15 remote controller (operation unit)
15a Display screen (notification unit)
21 indoor heat exchanger 81 indoor control unit 81 (implementation determination unit)
82 speaker (notification unit)
89 Humidifier control unit (history acquisition unit)
106 Humidifier 160 Tank 206 Humidifier

JP 2010-014288 A

Claims (6)

An air conditioning indoor unit that performs a cleaning operation in which an indoor heat exchanger (21) functions as an evaporator and moisture contained in indoor air is condensed in the indoor heat exchanger (21) to clean the indoor heat exchanger (21). (2) and
A humidifier (106) that has a tank (160) that stores water for humidification and humidifies the room;
a control unit (8);
a reporting unit (82);
with
The control unit (8) has an implementation determination unit (81) that determines implementation of the cleaning operation,
When it is decided to perform the cleaning operation, the control unit (8) notifies the user via the notification unit (82) of the amount of water stored in the tank (160) to prompt the user to check the remaining water amount or perform notification prompting water supply to the tank (160);
Indoor air conditioning system (1). The humidifier (106) detects or estimates the residual water content of the tank (160), and when it is determined that the residual water content is equal to or less than the first predetermined amount, the humidifier (106) notifies the user via the notification unit (82). perform notification prompting water supply to the tank (160);
Room air conditioning system (1) according to claim 1. The control unit (8) further includes a history acquisition unit (89) that acquires an operation history of the humidifier (106) and a history of water supply to the tank (160),
The control unit (8) estimates the residual water content based on the operation time of the humidifier (106) that has elapsed since water was supplied to the tank (160).
Room air conditioning system (1) according to claim 2. The control unit (8) waits for the cleaning operation until there is a response to the notification.
Room air conditioning system (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3. further comprising an operation unit (15) capable of inputting an instruction to start the cleaning operation;
The control unit (8) starts the cleaning operation when a signal for starting the cleaning operation is input from the operation unit (15) in response to the notification.
Room air conditioning system (1) according to claim 4. The control unit (8) starts the washing operation when it is determined that the remaining water amount is equal to or greater than a second predetermined amount that is larger than the first predetermined amount after the notification prompting the water supply.
Room air conditioning system (1) according to claim 2.

Images